Optical Sensing Module Light Guide Diffusing Layer Aperture Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical sensing modules face reduced field of view (FOV) and sensing efficiency due to minimized apertures and deeper placements in electronic devices, which limit light penetration and sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
An optical sensing module comprising an opaque layer, a light guide element, and a diffusing layer that diffuses light uniformly to the light guide element, allowing for a broader FOV and improved sensitivity, even in structures with smaller apertures or deeper placements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the aperture is shrunk or the optical sensing device is disposed at a deeper position, then the display coverage is increased, but the field of view range is limited and sensing efficiency is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the aperture and the optical sensor. This light guide element extends the light transmission path and allows light from a broader angular range to reach the sensor, effectively decoupling the aperture size from the field of view range. The light guide element acts as a mediator that transforms the geometric constraints into optical solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a direct linear light path to a three-dimensional light guiding structure. By using a light guide element with specific geometric features (such as tapered shapes or reflective surfaces), light can be guided from multiple angles and positions to converge at the sensor, effectively adding spatial dimensions to the light transmission path.
2Area of stationary object
If the aperture is shrunk or the optical sensing device is disposed at a deeper position, then the display coverage is increased, but the light penetration is limited and sensitivity is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide element serves as a mediator that collects and channels light from the aperture to the optical sensor over an extended path. This allows more light photons to reach the sensor by utilizing total internal reflection or reflective surfaces within the light guide, thereby improving signal strength and sensing sensitivity despite the deeper placement or smaller aperture.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide element provides a continuous light transmission path from the aperture to the sensor, maintaining light guidance throughout the extended distance. This continuous optical pathway ensures that light energy is preserved and efficiently delivered to the sensor, preventing energy loss that would occur in a direct but blocked path.
3Area of moving object
If a diffusing structure is used to increase the FOV range, then the field of view is expanded, but the light penetration rate is significantly decreased and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a uniform diffusing structure throughout the light path, the invention applies diffusing features only at specific locations where needed (such as at the entrance of the light guide element or at strategic positions within it). This localized diffusing approach expands the field of view by allowing light from different angles to enter, while minimizing overall light loss by maintaining direct transmission paths for the majority of light energy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The module achieves a larger FOV and enhanced sensing efficiency by uniformly diffusing light to the optical sensor, maintaining better performance compared to conventional modules, especially in structures with smaller apertures and deeper placements.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide element, disposed between the opaque layer and the optical sensor and configured to guide light to the optical sensor through the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a diffusing layer, disposed between the opaque layer and the light guide element, configured to diffuse the light to the light guide element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensing module for an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes an opaque layer and an aperture formed on the opaque layer, wherein the optical sensing module includes an optical sensor; a light guide element, disposed between the opaque layer and the optical sensor and configured to guide light to the optical sensor through the aperture; and a diffusing layer, disposed between the opaque layer and the light guide element, configured to diffuse the light to the light guide element.